The conventional progressive wisdom is that the Trump Administration will be bad for cities and for transit users. But in recent decades, a unified Republican government has been better for public transit than a divided government.

An efficient and equitable transport system must be diverse to serve diverse travel demands. Planners need better tools to quantify and communicate the benefits of walking, cycling and public transit to sometimes skeptical decision makers.

The Great Rivers Greenway District purchased the trestle, which is just north of downtown, in 2004. They are now working to put together the $50 million they need to turn the old infrastructure into a lush pedestrian and bike path.

The district plans to develop a conservancy to raise funds for building and maintaining the trestle, said Susan K. Trautman, executive director of the District, but she wouldn't pinpoint a precise time when they'll do so.

Cynthia Billharz Gregorian reports:

"Plans call for The Trestle, as it will be known, to link to The River Ring, a web of interconnected greenways, parks and trails that will eventually be about 600 miles long and reach into the Metro East and St. Charles County.

"But we want the trestle to be a park experience, more than just a way to get from one point to another," [Susan K. Trautman, executive director of the District] said. "We want people to stop and explore the working riverfront, such as Produce Row and the recycling industries.""

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